This conference will focus on prediction and warning; and emergency response and recovery strategies associated with tropical storms and hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. In addition, there will be sessions focusing on pre-disaster planning and preparedness; mitigation of severe storm impacts: and educational and social dimensions of disasters. This year’s conference will highlight the impacts of global change on Gulf Coast climate and infrastructure. Participants from across the nation will include speakers from public, private and academic sectors (four keynote speakers). It will be broad in scope and have inter-disciplinary coverage.